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Blue Plaques.

Why is this wonderful part of the Borough so neglected in terms National Identification if not World renown, clearly after recent discoveries it is becoming evident that something of International importance happened in these water meadows at the bend in the river over eight to nine hundred years ago, this is a period of our national history that is still a huge mystery of what happened to us after the Dark Ages, and the re emergence of a population that had disappeared for almost 500 years, there is little or no evidence to support any theory at all whether written or in the ground, and then suddenly as if from no where one of the most magnificent buildings even by today’s standards was erected in the fields  by the rivers bend, so tall, in dressed stone, that would even out shine Canterbury, York, Salisbury Cathedral and possibly Notre Dame itself if it where still standing today, central columns that would take 5 men with outstretched arm to measure around the base, whole trees to help to create the scaffolding and artisans from throughout Europe to dress the masonry to say nothing of the revolution that was of stained glass.Something emerged in these meadows that is Brentford, Syon and Isleworth that may have by-passed the old Roman London City site, was it because this was the site of the population Renaissance after what ever happened to  Britain’s between the sixth and tenth century, this London Rd that runs through all of our lives ran north of the river and at some point whilst travelling south west you had to cross the river, to head south west, could Brentford be the site of the first  bridge on the Thames after the conquest, was Syon the spiritual, political and financial centre of emerging Britain.We cannot even imagine who has passed along this track way, ‘The London Rd’, armies, pilgrims, explorers, Kings and Queens all must have passed past this way at some point in the past, isn’t it time this enigmatic part of the borough was treated to some serious investigation from those we look to inform us of the heritage of where we live, I would like to see a blue plaque or two appear up and down this old way.I used to work in Brompton and every day you would see  International tourist of all ages  stand outside a very plain end of terrace house photographing the upstairs windows, dodging traffic to get the complete image in the camera lens, and I said to someone one day why? Who? What! and I was told with a disbelieving shrug of the shoulders ‘some guy who played guitar’ I never found out who, but it was a constant stream day after day, well, I have always been drawn by Isleworth and Brentford village docks and now it is beginning to appear as though there may be a compelling reason for that strange attraction, this could be Britain’s first seat of power now becoming known to us?Thanks TR, MA, Phil, Tim, Michael, John, Carenza.     

K Kelly ● 6261d15 Comments ● 6255d

Alan Keen didn’t speak up for Heston or Brentford residents last night.

Alan Keen MP didn’t speak up for Heston or Brentford residents last night.I came away from a meeting of the Heston Residents’ Association on Wednesday evening having great doubts whether the lack-lustre chap we’d all been listening to was really qualified and worthy enough to represent 50% of the London Borough of Hounslow at Westminster.Certainly as a Campaigner against Heathrow expansion he is a non-starter for sure.  He didn’t sound too au fait with many facts on these important issues. His presentational skills seemed lacking. It was perhaps all too much for him. It’s time he retired.  Justine Greening the Conservative MP for Putney came to my mind.   In contrast she’s so on the ball as displayed when I listened to her at a recent meeting.If this had been an interviewing session to for some important local job, I would have given this chap2/10.  If it had been an interview at Sandhurst he’d have been rejected swiftly. Even in a small room ..the size of a classroom say..with only 30 people attending, it was sometimes difficult to hear his mumbling voice.  He appeared too casual, not smartly dressed enough, no tie, no socks even (according to someone else who I spoke with this evening) and a very laid back attitude.  Is this what our future MP’s are all about?We’re talking about Mr Alan Keen MP who represents the Constituency of Feltham and Heston.  I thought it important to let you know what happened.  For guidance I phoned someone else tonight who had been at the meeting and asked whether my assessment was wayward or not.  They agreed with my thoughts and recollections.Mr Keen, speaking about Heathrow, told us (TWICE) last night that he lives in Brentford (“No you don’t” some called out!”)  where residents are not too much troubled by aircraft noise. (“honest, that’s what he said”).  He further didn’t think that Heston residents would be much affected by Third Runway take offs..(Causing more protests from the floor from residents who said that their street WOULD be affected).“The Third runway won’t be with us for 10 years at least” said Mr Keen..”but at least we’ve put off the mixed-mode idea (take offs and landings alternating on same runway) for the time being” (is this so?). Mr Keen didn’t mention night arrivals (5800 per annum between 11.30pm and 6am) that must upset Brentford folk surely as the flightpath is often above them.The Cranford Agreement (which forbad easterly take-offs on the northern runway)(historically for security and safety issues) will disappear and no longer restrict take offs over populated areas said Mr Keen and this could come into being very quickly.  “No it couldn’t” responded the Chairman as too many time consuming  alterations  would need to be done to the runways (lighting?) etc. The change will take time! How on the ball is Mr Keen one kept thinking.It was reassuring to hear that at Westminster a group called “Heathrow Watch” exists made up of local MPs including Justine Greening. Her presence must surely offset Mr Keen’s laid back demeanour in tackling Heathrow Expansion issues.  Mr Keen indicated that there was a balance somewhere between his representing the Unions at the Airport to protect their jobs and work patterns..and listening to locals complaining about expansion etc. One Heston resident dared mention pollution from airport activities. Mr Keen would have none of it.(honest). The meeting was strictly chaired and quite rightly so. The subject of “Expenses” was banned.Mr Keen apparently says to many groups and delegations “You can ask me whatever questions you like..but being politicians we’ve been taught not to answer questions”  If last night’s poor quality presentation, answers and information was anything to go by.. we’re not missing much…if you know what I mean.Surely Mark Bowen can make a better job of it.?

Jim Lawes ● 6273d83 Comments ● 6255d